Balcony gardens?

Apartment gardening is not easy. I have just recently started, starting small with just an Heirloom tomato plant. It doesn't have any tomatoes on it yet, just one single yellow flower. I will likely need to re-pot it into something bigger (again) as it grows.
I plan to get some herbs at some point, but I'm not sure what else. Or which herbs, for that matter. I think I would like a mint plant, as then I won't need to carry around gum anymore.
Anyone who reads this, do you have plants or mini gardens on your balcony? If so, how long did it take to get where you are, and what do you have? Does it make enough food or herbs for you to use without needing to purchase them? Any tips for a newbie?

Aside from that, I've changed stores, and now work a little bit farther away. I have been being a bad girl and driving there and back for every shift, but as soon as this cold clears up, I am determined to pick the bike again and start using it. Aside from the distance, it is a nice store, the other supervisors actually seem to care and act as a team, which is a huge change. The crew are also willing to learn and when you show them the proper way to do things, for the most part they actually do it! It's such a positive change. Positive is good, and leads to less stress overall. That, and the store is a little less busy, and I get out earlier, so I actually get to have normal sleep times for the most part. Very nice.

New reused beauty products

Just got a package today that I ordered a few days ago from Recycline. I got the Preserve toothbrush, 4 of them to keep me going for a while. I also got a 4 pack of two blade razors that come in some fun colours. Not only are these products made of post consumer recycled plastic, primarily from Stonyfield Farms yogurt cups, but the handles are #5 plastic, and recyclable in most cities. If it isn't recyclable in your city, you can send them back to Recycline and they will recycle them themselves. Then, to top it all off, they sent it in a package which was made entirely (from what I can see) paper and/or cardboard. So it's completely recyclable. Package perfect deal.

Personal cooking experiment

Tried my hand at making my own soup today. Anyone I know can tell you that I am not very good at making real food. I work fast food, and that's about all I know, so it really was an experiment. Fared quite well. I was going for tonnes of vegetables, and then realized that I needed protein as well, so I threw in some of my canned chickpeas, potatoes, and VOILA! Rather tasty, if I do say so. My SO didn't like it much, but he's a carnivore. Too many vegetables, not enough dead animal.
Here's what I threw in, if anyone who might read this thing has any tips to make it more balanced perhaps, or add their own flair.

1/2 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 can vegetable broth, added 3 equal cans of water
1 red pepper, cubed
2 potatoes, large, cubed
1-2 cups of mixed frozen vegetables
1/2 can tomato paste
Seasoned with garlic powder, italian seasoning, salt, pinch of sugar (to cut the acidity).

It was quite good, pretty filling too, I was quite surprised.

Off I go.

Giving hurts sometimes, but it's worth it

Yesterday, I donated blood for the first time. It was a fairly laidback experience, they were very detailed and caring nurses, and I really appreciated everyone's attention to detail.

I also convinced the SO to give as well, and he also enjoyed the experience. It was definitely something I will be doing again.

Props go out to the CBS and RN's that were at the Walter Baker centre yesterday, doing their part helping others from the area do their part. Thanks to all of them for making my first time donating a pleasing and satisfying procedure.

Quickie

I love myself today. I feel good. This is good.

Short post today. Just wanted to leave a quick note saying that things aren't always as they seem, but that things usually work out for the best, if you keep an open mind.

Keep smiling.

Food quality

Time for another rant.

What is the point of buying food that a) you know isn't good for you, b) you know is bad for you, even, and c) you really don't feel that good afterwards of eating it.

This whole concept makes absolutely no sense to me. There are plenty of ways and things to eat for a good price, and yet people continuously spend their hard-earned cash on fast food. Even if you ate the grocery store brand, non-organic food that you have to spend 5-10 minutes assembling and cooking, you are doing your body a favour over buying fast food. Not only are fast food restaurants open at least 18 hours a day, which releases and uses tons of energy in lighting, heating, refrigeration, plus all the cleaning supplies that are NOT earth friendly, but they also keep their lights on all the time, regardless of whether or not there is anyone in the store.

How hard is it to find some recipes that are easy? Not very! I do it all the time, search on Google.ca or whichever your favourite search engine is, and you are bound to find something that fits your time allotment. It is just depressing seeing how people come here when they're hungry, instead of planning a little bit ahead and having some real good food that will keep them satiated for more than 2 hours.

Think. Plan. Act.

It isn't hard, people. Think about yourselves.

Parents and children

Almost nothing I see people buying these days is actually necessary. Are people so blind to advertisements that they really think that they need all this crap? Is it like this all across the world, or just in North America? Frightening to think about, no wonder all of our resources are dwindling. People think that changing little things here and there will help, and sure it does a little. But to save what we have left and restart, we really need to rethink our spending and living habits.

Kids out there are getting junk they don't need for holidays that mean nothing to them, stressing out the parents who need to work extra hours or not buy something they may need just to make junior happy. When did children take control of the world? If the kid isn't happy, it'll make him/her grow some character, patience and respect. From what I see on a day to day basis, parents have lost their backbones. This is a serious problem.

If you are a parent, and you know that when your child is unhappy, what do you do? If your answer is "anything to make him/her happy", it's wrong. Children should know what it feels like to be unhappy, sad, disappointed. It's all a part of growing up to be balanced. You should never be afraid to say no to ANYONE, least of all your own child. Remember that sometimes saying no will help them, even if they kick and scream for the time being. I have faith.